US Secretary of State Clinton recovering from concussion

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US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who cancelled a planned overseas trip last weekend because of illness, is recovering at home after fainting due to dehydration and sustaining a concussion, a State Department spokesman said today.

"While suffering from a stomach virus, Secretary Clinton became dehydrated and fainted, sustaining a concussion," Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines said in a statement.

"She has been recovering at home and will continue to be monitored regularly by her doctors. At their recommendation, she will continue to work from home next week, staying in regular contact with department and other officials. She is looking forward to being back in the office soon," Reines added.

Clinton fell ill with a stomach virus last weekend and was forced to cancel a planned trip to the Middle East and North Africa. The virus also hit other members of her staff, who were returning with her from a European trip, and was described as uncomfortable, but not medically serious.

Clinton, 65, has often been cited as a potential candidate for the US presidency in 2016 and frequently refers to her general good health, saying in an interview with ABC broadcast that she has "incredible stamina and energy."

She has maintained a punishing schedule in her final weeks as the top US diplomat, a position she intends to leave toward the end of January when US President Barack Obama is sworn in for a second term.